The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has strongly condemned the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leave to challenge a Federal High Court ruling that barred it from retrying former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, over alleged N7.1 billion fraud.

In a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL described the retrial attempt as politically motivated and a direct attack on Igbo leaders.

“The Federal High Court had previously found no sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges against Senator Kalu and subsequently acquitted him. That legal process was thorough, and the matter was put to rest. However, the sudden retrial ordered by the Court of Appeal raises serious concerns about the true motivations behind this case,” the statement read.

COSEYL argued that the move was less about justice and more about a political agenda aimed at discrediting Senator Kalu, a key Igbo leader committed to the welfare of his people.

“The timing and circumstances of this retrial suggest an attempt to weaken and harass prominent Igbo figures rather than a genuine effort to fight corruption. This is a clear violation of constitutional integrity and an abuse of legal processes,” the group stated.

COSEYL warned that using the EFCC as a tool for political persecution could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.

The group urged the anti-graft agency to ensure that justice is pursued based on legal merit rather than political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We call on the EFCC not to allow itself to be used by politicians for political permutations and calculations. Justice must be impartial, and it must be seen to be so,” COSEYL emphasized.